Can You Dye a Standard Poodle?

You can dye a standard poodle or any other dog that has naturally light-colored fur. Dog owners like to change their dogs' appearance once in a while, and dying is one way of doing it. You can get quite creative and make spots, stripes and other markings, but the important thing is to use dye that is safe and will not harm the dog.

  1. Types of Dye

    • It is not safe to dye a dog with dyes made for human hair. These may contain bleach and other harmful chemicals that can cause irritation to your poodle's sensitive skin. Buy a dye specially made for dogs, or use food coloring or even powdered flavored drink mix. None of these will permanently change your four legged friend, but can make her look quite funky for a short while.

    Washing your Dog

    • Clean fur will take the dye better. Ideally, you should have your poodle groomed prior to dyeing so her fur is cut to the correct length. If grooming is not an option, it is important that you wash your poodle well with a good doggie shampoo before attempting to dye her. Do not use conditioner, as any oily substance on the coat will prevent the dye from bonding.

    Dye Preparation

    • Follow the instructions on the commercial dye package or use your own discretion to obtain the color and intensity you want if you are using food coloring or flavored drink mix. If you are dying your poodle one color all over, mix the dye in a tub big enough to fit the dog into. If you are making a multi-colored design you will need multiple jars of different colored dye.

    The Dying Process

    • If you are dying your poodle one color all over, the easiest way to do it is to stand her in the tub of dye and use a jug to pour the dye all over her. That way you will not make a big mess and you can cover her entire body without missing any parts. You can also dye spots, stripes or other designs on a standard poodle. The easiest way to do this is to use a sponge or sponges and "paint" the dye onto her. It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves.

    Drying

    • When you are done dying your standard poodle, place a leash on her and lead her around to dry her or use a blow dryer on low. Do not rub your poodle with a towel or allow her to roll until she is totally dry. The dye should stay on for a few days, and you will have fun observing other people's faces when they see her.